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Art History and Cultural Theory lecturer Dr Jonathan Koestlé-Cate will examine how modern art continues to play a significant role in the life of the church, in a free public lecture at the University of Bath on Wednesday 17 October.

Public lecture: the role of art in church

11 October 2012

Art History and Cultural Theory lecturer Dr Jonathan Koestlé-Cate will examine how modern art continues to play a significant role in the life of the church, in a free public lecture at the University of Bath on Wednesday 17 October.

In Britain the relationship of modern art and the church is often perceived to be limited to a few major projects like Coventry Cathedral or ‘Paddy’s Wigwam’ in Liverpool. What is overlooked through focusing on such prominent examples is the degree to which modern art continues to play a significant role in the life of the church and the vast number and variety of projects, both temporary and permanent, that have appeared in church contexts in recent decades.

This talk will provide an introduction to this history, drawing on a number of key projects to illustrate the possibilities and difficulties presented by contemporary art for the modern church.

Dr Jonathan Koestlé-Cate is an Associate Lecturer at Goldsmiths College, London, where he teaches Art History and Cultural Theory. In 2012 he completed a PhD on the subject of contemporary art and the church, and is a frequent contributor to debates on this theme.

The lecture is part of the University’s General University Lecture Programme (GULP). Others in the series include:

24 October – How to build an Olympic Stadium – Structural engineering expert, Dr Paul Shepherd shares the secrets behind the building of the Olympic Park and explores the ways that mathematics was used in the construction and operation of this spectacular event.31 October - Archaeology, Common Rights and the Origins of Britishness - Dr Susan Oosthuizen explores the archaeological evidence for the management of prehistoric pasture, to ask whether it is possible that common rights were already traditional by the time the Anglo-Saxons arrived.7 November - No job for a woman – Industrial chemist Dr Barry Maule provides an insight into women’s contributions to the manufacture of explosives and shell filling in the First World War.14 November - A sustainable future for wildlife and people - Head of Learning at Bristol Zoo Simon Garrett looks at the challenges facing a sustainable future.
The lecture is taking place in Lecture Theatre 8 West 1.1 and starts at 5.15pm.Free parking is available in the West Car Park after 5pm.

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